Fruit-picker.



(No Model.)

Patented lan. 30, |900.

G. von ALMA.

FRUIT PICKER.

(Application led Aug. 14, 1899.)

. @Mforneys we Nonms PEYERS co, PHoroLrrNo., wAsHlNomN. D. C,

5 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

GOTLEB VON ALMA, OF KILVVORTHY, CANADA, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO GEORGE HUGHES AND JOHN E. HUGHES, OF SAME PLAGE.

FRUIT-PICKER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 642,541, dated January 30, 1900.

Application filed August 14, 1899. Serial No. 727,119. (No model.)

and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as Will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

This invention relates to fruit-pickers; and its object is to provide a device of this character which may be adjusted to any height without detaching thelower end from the barrel or other receptacle for the fruit. A further object is to provide a'fruit-picker which is simple in construction, effective in operation, and economical to manufacture.

To these ends the invention consists in a fruit-picker constructed substantially as hereinafter illustrated and described, and defined in the appended claims.

The drawing shows a perspective view of the improved fruit-picker complete and in operative position.

A great objection to the ordinary fruitpicker is the necessity of carrying a receptacle for the fruit from place to place whenever the position or elevation of the device is changed. This necessitates at least one additional assistant and the eXtra labor involved in moving partially-loaded barrels. The device embodying this invention obviates these objections.

The body portion of the fruit-picker is constructed of two telescoping sections A and A',

of which the part A is the receiver and is provided with an enlarged upper end a and a funnel-shaped extension a', the lower end of which is sleeved in and telescopes with the funnel-shaped portion A. The two sections A and A are preferably made of canvas, though any durable'exible material will an- Swer as well. The upper edge of the enlarged portion a, is provided with a hoop a2, whereby it is distended, and from the edges of this hoop a series of ropes a4 radiate to a ring a3 in the center of said portion a. A se.- ries of openings a5 are formed in the body of the enlarged portion a, through which pass a series of ropes a6, which are attached to the upper edge of the funnel-shaped section A. These ropes a6 pass upward through the openings a5 into the inner portion of the part d 55 and are led through the ring a4 over a pulley b, mounted in the end of the extensible bar or handle B, and are connected at their extremities to an operating-rope b. The portion A is made of any desired length, and the 6o lower edge thereof is provided with a hoop or ring. (Not visible in the drawing, as it is on the inside.) To this hoop are attached a sel ries (preferably four) of wires or metal bands a7, which support a circular disk c, upon the upper surface of which is secured a cushion or pad c. The section A is provided with a metal hoop a8, which encircles the handle B and by which it is secured thereto. Supporting-rods a9 are secured to the hoop a2and the 7o handle B, which serve to steady the section A.

The handle B is preferably made of two or more sections joined together in any suitable manner. The end of the handle is preferably provided with a rake for detaching the fruit and which is useful for raking up the fallen fruit. A suitable cleat b2 or other fastening device is fixed to the handle B for securing the adj usting-rope b.

From the above description it will be seen 8o that by drawing in or letting out the rope b the lower section A' may be raised or lowered, as may be necessary.

When the fruit is detached by means of the rake, it falls into the enlarged portion a of the receiving-section A and strikes against the ropes a3, through which it passes after its fall has been somewhat arrested. The fruit then passes down through the funnel portion ato the lower section A or to the cushion c', 9o which is located in the receiving barrel or bin, (not shown,) and passes out between the bands or wires a7 Without injury.

While I have herein shown a preferred form of carrying my invention into eect, yet I do not desire to limit myself to such preferred details of construction, but claim the right to use any and all modifications thereof which will serve to carry into eect the objects to be obtained by this inventionin so far as such roo modications and changes may fall within the spirit and scope of my said invention.

I claiml. A fruit-picker, comprising a telescoping body portion, a supporting-handle therefor, adjusting-ropes secured to said body portion and attached to said handle, substantially as described.

2. A fruit-picker, comprising an upper section, a lower section telescoping therewith, a supporting-handle secured to said upper section,and adj usting-ropes secured to said lower section and passing through the interior of the upper section and attached to the said handle, substantially as described.

8. A fruit-picker, comprising an upper section having an enlarged top and a funnelshaped lower portion, ropes attached to the edges of said top and to a ring arranged in the center thereof, a lower telescoping section, a handle, adjusting-ropes secured to said lower section, leading into said upper section and through said ring and attached to said handle, and a cushion secured to the bottom of said lower section, substantially as described.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set niy hand in the presence of two witnesses.

GOTLEB VON ALMA. Witnesses:

W. R. BOYD, B. I-I. ARDAGH. 

